Florence -- For the third time in six months, a new mayor is at the helm of the City of Florence

On Monday, the Florence City Council appointed Keith Ore as mayor to fill the term left by the death of Mayor Charles Giebler.

Ore, who has been on council for four months, took over the position of mayor pro tem in January just before Giebler was found dead at his home Jan. 25.

Giebler died from an enlarged heart and coronary disease, according to an autopsy. Since then, the city has been without a mayor.

Giebler took over in September when Ron Hinkle resigned for personal reasons.

"I spent 35 years tending to water," Ore said. "The reason I joined council is because I think this town is going some great places."

Councilwoman Svetlana Piltingsrud asked why he thought he was ready for this position.

"I think somebody has to be ready," he said. "I think it should be somebody from the inside that's been doing most of the work."

Piltingsrud asked if he had the experience needed.

"I was supervisor over all inspectors with Denver water," Ore said. "I've had 35 years of running meetings."

She said she didn't feel he had enough experience.

Councilman Larry Baker said he would like to have someone with more experience, as well.

"You only have 10 more months and you're going to have someone running against you," he said.

Ore said that did not bother him.

"I think that's wonderful," Ore said.

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In a related matter, the council also appointed Mel Edwards as the councilman to serve in Ward 1, replacing Georgia Enslow, who resigned earlier this year when she moved to Pueblo to be closer to family.

Melvin Edwards has lived in Fremont County for almost 24 years and in Florence for four years.

"I've always been impressed with the City of Florence all the way from the athletic program to the schools to our local government to the municipality workers," he said.

He worked for Fremont Sanitation District for 10 years and currently is a Realtor.

Edwards said he never had been into politics, but he would like to get things done for the community from the youth to the elderly to retired citizens.

Baker said he appreciated his interest, but when he asked how many times had Edwards had attended the meetings, Edwards told him one time.

Baker asked him how long it would take to get up to speed.

"I think I could get a grasp in three to five meetings," he said. "I do attend a lot of meetings that has to do with government."

When Piltingsrud asked if he could act independently, he said he would and could compromise when needed.